Whether you are about to jump on the treadmill for a cardio session or you are stepping into the weight room, do you have a pre-workout routine? Do you know what to do in order to maximize your results? Let’s take a look at 4 simple things you should be doing in order to better your workouts.

4. Plan Your Workout

This may seem obvious but you’d be surprised at how many people walk into the gym with little to no idea of what they plan to accomplish. There’s an old expression that rings true here:

 “Fail to plan, plan to fail.”

You need to know what your goals are and what the exercise tools you need to achieve them. Are you trying to build muscle? Do you want to lose fat? Figure out your goal. From there, you need to build a workout plan around that goal.

 Want to burn fat? Your workout plan better include high intensity interval training.Trying to build muscle? You should be hitting the weights three times a week.

 Know what you need to accomplish your goal and you’ll be well on your way to success.

3. Get Motivated

 How many people do you see slumping into the gym like it’s a chore? Exercise doesn’t have to be the punishment that so many make it out to be. Think about the goal you laid out above. Picture yourself accomplishing that goal. Imagine how great you’ll feel once you do. You need to motivate yourself to success.

 Use inspirational quotes, watch motivational clips on YouTube, and listen to music that gets you in the zone. Before you leave the house, you should know exactly what you’ll be doing in the gym but you should also be pumped to do it.

2. Supplement

 Supplements are now a way of life for many fitness enthusiasts. If you aren’t into the supplement scene, that’s okay. While not necessary, they certainly help in getting to your goal faster, assuming you combine them with a structured workout plan and healthy diet.

If you want to burn more fat, some supplements to consider pre-workout are caffeine, theobromine, and yohimbe. These three are proven thermogenics that help with energy and boosting your metabolic response.

 If your goal is muscle, then it’s best to stick with the classics of bodybuilding. Find yourself a good whey protein along with creatine and glutamine. These are all natural supplements that support lean muscle development as well as recovery.

1. Stretch

 You have your workout plan, you are ready to hit the weights, and you just took your pre-workout supplement, now what? Before you starting pumping iron and slamming your feet on the treadmill, you need to stretch.

 Stretching helps to protect and correct length tension relationships between muscles. What’s more, it will help you avoid any strain or injury. Imagine sitting in a chair at work all day, then trying to squat 250 lbs. Do you think that would end well for you?

 Stretching helps your body prepare for the workload ahead so DON’T skip it!

Tell Us What You Think!

Do you have your own pre-workout routine?

Tell us about it in the comments below.